The Gujarat government has announced a strict ban on public bursting of firecrackers and the import of fireworks from abroad during the festive season, citing public safety and environmental concerns.
The ban covers open spaces, public roads, and crowded areas to prevent accidents, noise pollution, and deterioration of air quality. Only locally manufactured firecrackers meeting safety standards are permitted for sale, while imports from countries like China are prohibited.
Local administrations and police have been directed to strictly enforce the ban, with surprise inspections, confiscations, and penalties, especially in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
Key Directives
The order follows the Supreme Court’s guidelines (Writ Petition No. 728/2015, October 23, 2018):
Only green and approved firecrackers with low emissions can be manufactured and sold.
Joint or series firecrackers (Laris) producing high noise and pollution are banned nationwide.
Sale is allowed only through licensed traders selling Supreme Court-approved crackers.
E-commerce platforms cannot sell or distribute firecrackers online.
Use of barium in firecrackers is strictly prohibited.
Permitted Bursting Times
Diwali and other festivals: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Christmas and New Year’s Eve: 11:55 PM – 12:30 AM
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over violations, including the sale of banned or counterfeit “green crackers” with fake QR codes, emphasizing that celebrations cannot compromise public health or the environment.
District Magistrates and Police Commissioners have been instructed to ensure full compliance and submit reports to the Home Department at [email protected]
The government has also referenced the DRI circular of October 19, 2020, for strict action against illegal imports and sales of firecrackers.